Upholstery cleaner



April 23; 1940. F. u. voN SCHRADER UPHOLSTERY CLEANER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 1 7, 1936 FIG. I.

lNVENTOR FRANCIS u. vou SCHRADER' ATTORNEYS April 23, 1940.

F. u. VON SCHRADER UPI-IOLSTERY CLEANER Filed NOV. 17, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 R M A I R R H O C T s m w V v v M m h u Z 0 N Y M B F lug wu lr i. I ||-|:L"

ATTORNEYS creases Urnoc'srsnr ANER Francis U. von Schrader, Racine, Wis., assignor to Von Schrader Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wis., a copartnership composed oi Francis U. von Schrader and Harry D. Bench, both of Racine, Wis., and Turner G. Bass, v

Norristown, Pa.

Application November 17, 1936, Serial No. 111,257

3 Claims.

Thisinvention appertains to a novel device for cleaning the upholstery of furniture, and the like, and more particularly to a portable appliance capable of being successfully used by an unskilled operator, and is an improvement over my prior application for patent, bearing Serial No. 33,293, and a filing date of July 26, 1935.

In the upholstery cleaner illustrated in said patent application, a liquid detergent, such as soapy water, was delivered to the cleaning-head. Not only did the liquid detergent unnecessarily wet the upholstery, but the best cleaning results could not be obtained therewith. It has been found that the most efficient cleaning agent 5 is in the soap-suds themselvesand not in the soapy water carrying the suds.

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of my invention to provide novel means for forming soap-sudsin the tank containing the cleaning 9 agent, and for delivering the suds only to the cleaning brush or head.

Another salient object of my invention is the provision of a novel cleaning head embodying a rotary brush, and a light motor on said head for 5 operating the brush, with means for delivering the soap-suds to the axial center of the brush, whereby said suds will'be effectively engaged by the brush bristles and not thrown by centrifugal force away from the brush bristles.

Another important object of my invention is the provision of novel means for removing the soiled soap-suds from the upholstery after the cleaning operation, and for delivering these suds to a tank adapted for that purpose.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a novel frame for receiving the cleaning detergent liquid tank, and a tank for the dirty water or suds, with novel means for mounting a single motor unit above the tank for oper- =0 ating the blower for creating the suds in the cleaning tank, and for operating the suction fan for removing the soiled suds from the upholstery and into the dirty water tank.

v A further important object of my invention is l5 the provision of means for resiliently mounting the motor'and the blower and the suction fan relative to the tanks, so that the transmission of vibration to the tanks will be lessened.

A further important object of my invention is i the provision of novel means for supporting an ornamental and protecting housing from. the frame for the tanks, whereby the tanks and the operating motor, blower, and fan will be completely hidden from the eye, and protected from 55 outside influences.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of novel means for forming the cleaner head, whereby the operation of the light motor for the rotary brush, and the control valve for the soap-suds, can be conveniently manipulated. '5

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more specifically described, claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in 10 which drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of the machine, with the cover thereof in section.

Figure 2 is a central, longitudinal section through the base of the machine.

Figure 3 is a central transverse section through the base of the machine, taken on a smaller sca than Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the cleaner head with parts thereof broken away and in section, the cover for the cleaner head being shown in dotted lines.

Figure 5 is'an enlarged detail section through the cleaner head, with the cover thereof shown' in dotted lines, the view being taken substantially on the line 55 of Figure 4 looking in the direction of the arrows. Figure 6 is a detail sectional view through the nipple taken substantially on the line 6--6 of Figure 4 looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the butterfly valve.

Figure '7 is a top plan view of the suction nozzle.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the suction nozzle, with the forward end thereof broken away and in section.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the letter 0 indicates generally my improved cleaning machine, which embodies a portable base unit l0, and a cleaner head 40. The portable base unit In comprises an open rectangular frame preferably formed from longitudinally extending side angle bars II and end angle bars 12. These angle bars have their lower horizontal flanges turned inwardly to forma support for the tank I 3 and the tank I. The tank i3 is of a greater size than the tank I4, and receives the cleaning. liquid, such as a soapy water compound. The tank I is adapted to receive thesoiled water or suds, as will be later set forth. Each tank is of a closed construction so that'the likelihood of spilling the liquid will be avoided during the transportation of the device.

t Thefraine at the corners thereof carry reinshifted from one point to another.

forcing metal plates I5, which in turn carry caster-wheels l8, which permit the device to be The tanks l3 and I4 have extending up therefrom relatively large nipples l1 and I8, respectively. At a point spaced from the nipples H and I8 elongated pipes I9 and 28 communicate respectively with the tanks I3 and I4. The function of these tanks l3 and I4 willbe hereinaftermore fully set forth. Arranged above the tanks |3 and I4 is the main operating motor 2|, which can be of the desired size" and rating. A transversely extending block 22 formed of rubber extends across the top wall of the tank l3, and forms a seat for the motor 2|.

Connected to the opposite ends of the motor casing are brackets 23 and 24, which support respectively a blower fan 25 and a suction fan 26, the outlets of the blower and suction fan being connected to the short nipples l1 and I8 by short hose sections 21 and 28. Clamps 29 are utilized for firmly connecting the hose sections with the nipples and outlets of the blower and suction fan. By loosening the clamps the hose sections.

can be slid downwardly on the nipples below the upper edges thereof, so as to permit the ready lifting of the motor 2| and blower and suction fans from the tanks. Normally the outlets of the blower and suctions fans are above the nipples, and consequently the hose sections 211 and 28 take up vibration, as does the rubber block 22,

The inlet for the blower is at its axial center, as is the inlet for the suction fan 26, but the inlet for the suction fan has connected thereto an inlet tube 30, which terminates substantially in the same plane as the pipes l9 and 28.

In order to brace the base frame, and to form a support for the protecting housing 3|, a series of arched U-shaped straps 32 are provided.

These straps extend transversely of the machine,

and have their lower ends riveted or otherwise secured to the longitudinal side rails ll of the frame. The lower ends of the bridge straps 32 have formed thereon depending feet 33. The protecting housing or cover 3| can be formed from rubber, or any other preferred material colored or otherwise, treated to present a pleasing appearance to the eye, and of such a shape as to fit snugly over the bridge straps and around the bottom frame. The lower edges of the cover are received within the feet 33, and if desired a reinforcing metal band 34 may be provided for the lower edge of the cover.

' The center bridge strap 32 can carry a handle to facilitate the transporting of the cleaning ma chine, and this handle can be normally covered by a flap 35, carried by the cover or.. housing. One of the bridge straps can be utilized for supporting an electric switch 36 utilized for controlling the motor, and the operating lever for the switch can be extended through a suitable opening in the coveror housing 3|.

By referring to Figures 2 and 3,11: will be noted that the pipes l9 and .28, and the tube 36, extend through the upper end of the cover. If desired, an elongated filling tube 31 can also be provided for the tank l3, and this tube likewise protrudes through the upper end of the cover or housing, and can be normally closed by any desired type of cap or closure.

The pipe I! constitutes the outlet for the cleaning agent, and consequently the upper end of the pipe has communicating therewith a relatively large flexible hose or the like 38, which has connection with the cleaning head 40, which will now be described.

The cleaning head 40 embodies a hollow casting 4|, to which is bolted the laterally extending, light electric motor 42. This motor 42 has its armature shaft extended into the casing 4|, and has connected or otherwise secured thereto a worm 43. Suitable-bearings are provided for the armature shaft in the motor casing, and in the casing 4|, so as to eliminate all vibration in said shaft.

Meshing with the worm 43 is a worm wheel 44 keyed or otherwise secured to the drive shaft 45 for the brush head 46. The shaft 45 extends into a hood or dome 41, which can be formed from a metal casting. if so desired. suitable bolts 48 are utilized for connecting the casing 4| with the hood or dome 41.

By referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that this dome 41 includes an inner circular wall 49, and a depending annular skirt 50. The skirt 50, at a point adlacentto the wall 49, is provided with a shoulder, or a smooth annular bearing surface the purpose of which will also be later set forth. The inner circular wall 49 carries a bearing 52 for the drive shaft 45, and the outer wall of the casing 4| carries a thrust bearing 53 for the shaft 45, This bearing is preferably of the adjustable type so that play can be taken up as wear occurs.

The outer end of the drive shaft 45 can be provided with a reduced shank 54, on which is adapted to fit the brush head 46, and means, such as a screw 55, can be employed for firmly securing the brush head to the shaft. The brush head 46 includes a. brush back 56 carrying a plurality of brush tufts 51. The brush tufts terminate short of the axial center of the brush back, and this portion of the brush back has formed therein relatively large openings 58.

Formed on the marginal edge of the brush back 56 is an annular side wall 59, the inner edge of which engages the inner bearing surface 5| of the hood or dome 41. Thus, in'effect, a bearing is also provided for the brush head, and this bearing surface prevents the escape of the cleaning agent from between the wall 59 of the brush head and the dome 41.

Communicating with one side of the dome is an angle-shaped nipple 60, to which is firmly clamped the flexible hose 38 leading from the outlet pipe IQ of the tank l3. This angle nipple 60 carries a valve 8|, so that the flow of the cleaning agent into the-cleaning headv can be controlled. This valve 6| may be of the butterfly type, and thus includes a rockable shaft 62, which extends diametrically across the nipple. The outer end of the shaft has connected thereto an operating lever or finger-piece 63. Secured to the shaft 82 intermediate its ends are discs 64, between which is clamped the flexible valve body 65. Adjacent to the operating lever '63 is an electric switch 66 for the motor 42. Thus, both the motor and the flow of the cleaning agent can be easily controlled by the operator. Connected with the cleaning head is a radially extending manipulating handle 61. The operating head is adapted to be held in both hands by the operator, and one of the operators hands can be placed on the handle 61, and the other on the angle nipple 60.

Coupled with the inlet 38 of the suction fan 26 is a relatively large flexible hose 68, and this hose has connected therewith a special type of suction nozzle 69, which forms an important part of my present invention. This suction nozzle 69 flares outwardly toward its inlet face to define an elongated, substantially elliptical shaped suction opening 10. In effect, the suction inlet opening has front and rear walls II and I2, and relatively short end arcuate walls 13.

Located equi-distantly between the walls 1| and I2 is a longitudinally extending squeegee-bar 14, which is connected with the end wall 13. This squeegee-bar 14 extends a slight distance beyond the outer marginal edge of the inlet opening. The

use of this suction head will be later set forth.

In use of my improved upholstery cleaner, an ordinary suction head is connected with the suction hose 68, and the electric motor 2| is started in operation. All loose particles of dirt are then removed from the upholstery by this cleaning nozzle, and I prefer to place a small quantity of liquid in the tank l4 to help prevent the dust from being blown out of the vent pipe 20. If desired, a small bag can be placed over the vent pipe to catch the dust. After the loose particles of dust have been removed from the upholstery, or articles to be cleaned, and the tank l3 has been filled slightly more than half way with the cleaning fluid, the motor 2| is again started. At this point, attention is directed to the fact that the nipple I extends into the tank l3 below the level of the cleaning liquid, and thus the air from the fan will enter the water and cause the aeration thereof and the formation of thick soapsuds or bubbles above the cleaning fluid. As pressure is built up in the tank from the fan,

the soap-suds are carried through the outlet pipe openings are completely surrounded by the brush tufts, the throwing of the soap-suds out from the brush head is eliminated. Hence, smatterlng of the soap-suds is reduced.

After the article has been thoroughly cleaned, the valve 6| is closed, and the suction head 69 is coupled with the hose 68. This head 69 is now brought firmly over the upholstery, and the squeegee-bar 14 tends to work or squeeze out the soap-suds from the pile of the fabric, which soapsuds are rapidly carried away by the air suction into the tank l4.

With my apparatus, upholstery and carpets can be rapidly and efiiciently cleaned even by an inexperienced operator.

The cleaning head is adapted to be encased by suitable rubber covering 15, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 4 and 5. The lever of the switch 65 protrudes through this cover so as to facilitate ease of manipulation thereof.

The apparatus has other purposes, and can be used for moth-proofing articles. In this instance, the bowl or jar containing the moth-proof substance is coupled with the tube 20, through a suitable hose, and the air blowing past the mothproof substance in the jar will pick up the substance and carry the same into the interstices of the fabric.

While in the specification I have referred to my device as a cleaner for upholstery, it is to be understood that the cleaner is adaptable for use in cleaning the carpets of stairways, rugs, walls, and the like. Thus, the term upholstery is merely used by way of example, and not as a limitation.

Changes in details may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of my invention, but what I claim as new is:

1. A mobile device for cleaning upholstery comprising, a tank, a liquid detergent in said tank having its level terminating considerably short of the upper end of said tank, a blower fan having its outlet terminating below the liquid level in the tank, means for operating the blower, whereby to create a disturbance in the liquid and to form cleaning suds above the liquid level and a pressure in said tank, and means communicating with the upper end of the'tank for delivering the suds alone at a point distant fromv the tank to the upholstery to be cleaned.

2. An upholstery cleaner comprising, a mobile frame, a tank adapted to contain a soapy solution whose level terminates short of the upper end of the tank fitted on the frame, an electric drive motor arranged above the tank, a casing for said motor, a cushion block for supporting the motor from the tank, a nipple connected to the tank having its lower end terminating a considerable distance below the upper end of the tank, a blower fan carried by the motor casing and operated from the motor, a flexible hose section connected to the outlet of the blower and to the nipple, whereby to introduce air into the cleaning agent and create suds in the tank and a suds outlet nipple on the tank communicating with the tank adjacent the upper end thereof.

3. An upholstery cleaner comprising, a mobile frame, a tank adapted to contain a soapy solution whose level terminates short of the upper end of the tank removably fitted on the frame, an electric drive motor, a casing for said motor, a cushion block for supporting the motor from the tank, a nipple connected to the tank having its lower end terminating a considerable distance below the upper end of the tank, a blower fan carried by the motor casing and operated from the motor, a flexible hose section connecting the outlet of the blower to the nipple, whereby to introduce air into the cleaning agent and create suds in the tank, a suds outlet nipple on the upper end of the tank, bridge straps carried by the frame and extending over the motor and the blower, and a protecting casing supported by said straps, and extending completely over the tank, the motor, and the blower.

FRANCIS U. VON SCHRADER. 

